Handmade silver jewelry are
intriguing in its form and captivating in its beauty. The silver go
through a number of processes, like carving, enameling, filigree etc.,
giving expression to the craftsman's skills. Exquisite and vibrant
designs combine to make the most artistic artifacts. The most universal
forms of handmade silver jewelry are the necklace, bracelet, ring, pin
and earring. These jewelry are decorated by engraving, embossing,
etching and filigree, by application of enamel, mosaic, gems,
semi-precious stones and glass.
Enameling
Enameling may be described as the art coloring or ornamenting a metal
surface by fusing various mineral substances over it. In silver
decoration, enameling is perhaps the most alluring and sophisticated.
The silver part to be enameled is engraved or blocked out and the enamel
dust of the requisite color is poured into the grooves, then placed in a
red hot furnace which melts and the colored liquid gets spread equally.
Engraving
Engraving may have been one of the earliest attempts at ornamentation
by scratching lines or cutting. Engraving in silver is done with a blunt
chisel. Punching creates a decorative effect by arrangement of lines and
dots in a definite artistic pattern. In decorative silver work a variety
of pictures can be depicted, like landscapes, court scenes, group
dances, temples, deities, etc. Other items like trays, glasses, flower
vases, pots, tables, chairs etc. too are prepared with this work.
Filigree work
Silver filigree work is a style unique in itself. This work involves
pure silver which is put through a wire drawing machine. Two of the
thinnest wires are wound around the 'charkha' after heating. It is then
flattened again to get it as thin as the single wire originally was. It
is then bent to give it different shapes. A filigree article is thus a
combination of different parts pieced together. The space within the
frame is filled with the main ribs of the design which are usually,
stems, leaves, creepers etc.





